Concession of Enugu Airport Crucial to Achieving $30 Billion Economic Growth Goal, Says Secretary to State Government

The Enugu State Government has pinpointed the establishment of Enugu Air and the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as pivotal factors in realizing its goal of expanding the state's economy from $4.4bn to $30bn by 2031.

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This initiative is anticipated to stimulate tourism, attract investments, and enhance agricultural exports, thereby positioning Enugu as the economic hub of the South-East, according to the government.

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The Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, revealed this information on Tuesday during the Renewed Hope Media Tour of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as part of the administration of Governor Peter Mbah's broader strategy.

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Onyia explained that the airport project is part of a comprehensive plan to establish Enugu as a major economic hub driven by tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and private sector investments, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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He stated, "The governor's vision for Enugu as an economic hub involves aligning tourism and the hospitality sector to create a thriving economy, which is the context behind the concessioning of the airport."

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The state government has developed projections regarding expected visitor traffic and the potential economic impact of the aviation sector, with Onyia noting that these projections are based on the expected three to five million visitors to Enugu.

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According to Onyia, the projections are not arbitrary, but rather a calculated estimate of the revenue and investment that can catalyze the state's GDP growth, which is expected to increase from $4.4bn to $30bn by 2031.

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The concept of Enugu Air was conceived to reduce the state's dependence on commercial airlines and their schedules, with Onyia explaining that the state cannot rely solely on third-party airlines to bring visitors to Enugu.

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He stated, "Enugu Air will provide an alternative for visitors, with six planes currently in operation, and this is just the first phase of bringing people into Enugu, allowing visitors and tourists to access the state through a reliable airline."

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The government's economic blueprint also includes revitalizing tourist attractions across the state to provide destinations for visitors arriving through the airport, with Onyia mentioning the creation of tourism centers, such as the home waterfall.

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Onyia noted that the airport infrastructure will support the state's agricultural development agenda through cargo operations, connecting the dots between the airport, tourism, and agricultural investment.

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The government has adopted a private sector-led approach in the aviation sector to ensure efficiency and sustainability, with Onyia explaining that this approach was used in establishing Enugu Air, which partnered with EasyJet to build capacity.

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Onyia provided an update on the airport concession process, stating that October has been set as the timeline for the next phase of activities, with key deliverables expected within every quarter.

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The SSG commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative and facilitating approvals through relevant federal agencies, stating that the President's vision and clear support were instrumental in moving the project forward.

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Onyia credited President Tinubu with playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the project received the necessary direction and authorization from federal agencies, allowing the process to move forward efficiently.

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The media tour was organized to showcase projects being implemented under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda across critical sectors of the economy, led by the Presidential Communications Team and Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

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In January, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed a concession agreement with Aero Alliance for the operation of the Enugu airport, following the Federal Executive Council's approval of the proposal in July 2025.

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The concession agreement is expected to reposition the airport as a catalyst for economic growth in the South-East, with the minister describing it as the culmination of a long and tedious process.

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Under the arrangement, ownership of the airport remains with the Federal Government, while the private concessionaire is expected to operate, maintain, and upgrade the facility to improve efficiency and unlock investment opportunities within the aviation ecosystem.